Cardiff Bay is open for angling as Cardiff Harbour Authority launches ‘FISHING FOR EVERYONE’! From today anglers from Wales and across the UK are being welcomed to Cardiff Bay to get hooked on the UK’s biggest participation sport.
Over the past ten years the ecology of Cardiff Bay has developed into a good diversity of habitats and fish species and a healthy coarse fishery with which should maintain the interest of both novice and expert anglers. Species present include roach, chub, dace, perch, bream, carp, rudd and pike.
Research indicates that there are a large number of people who would like to fish but do not have access to safe local angling facilities or the necessary support. The development of Coarse fishing in the Bay can only further enhance participation will be a real boost to suitable local facilities.
By opening Cardiff Bay up for angling, the Harbour Authority is hoping that fishing activities will increase the number and diversity of people visiting and using the Bay, and provide an opportunity to attract more people into the sport.
Sea fishing already takes place from the Barrage, an ideal venue for coaching young or inexperienced anglers – the Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers have commenced sea angling coaching sessions, and the area is developing a strong reputation for shore fishing. Offering ample parking facilities and easy access for the elderly, disabled and children this is an ideal fishing location!
Today sees the launch of freshwater fishing enabling anglers to fish regularly in the Bay. Harbour Authority Fishing Licences are required and these are available from the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre, Channel View Leisure Centre and a range of fishing shops across the capital. Fishing is permitted in several locations from Hamadryad Park on the River Taff, between Grangemoor Park and Sanatorium Park on the River Ely, and the Barrage Embankment.
There are four purpose built angling platforms on the River Ely just above Penarth Road suitable for disabled anglers, which will improve access and encourage participation.
As a group, anglers are keen to maintain and improve the environment in which they fish. Studies have shown that participation in fishing by the young can result in reduced truancy rates and anti-social behaviour, and improve educational achievement. This is exemplified today as children from Fitzalan, Cantonian and Michelson Super Ely are all in Cardiff Bay, fishing as part of the Council’s Virtual Inclusion Programme. This is a 9 week programme providing youths access to activities such as life saving, motor biking and fishing.
As part of the Bryn y Deryn PRU, the Virtual Inclusion Programme working alongside the Cardiff Council Leisure department is a pilot reintegration scheme set up to help young people re-focus in school, spending time in new environments working on behavioural issues. The programme last for one school term and helps to raise self esteem and boast confidence by offering several forms of accreditation. Pupils will end the programme by being reintegrated full time into their mainstreams school after having developed a new range of coping skills.
Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture said;
“We are delighted to officially launch Fishing for Everyone here today. By opening up the Bay for fresh water fishing, we are able to give local people the opportunity to experience this very enjoyable pastime right on their doorstep.
“Linking in with clubs and retailers across the city, we also think this new activity will help promote the facilities on offer in Cardiff Bay to a wider audience.
“I have been lucky enough to spend time with the children here today and can see for myself how much enjoyment and self-worth they are able to derive from being involved. We look forward to welcoming novice and enthusiastic anglers to the area from today onwards!”
The Environment Agency estimates that annual economic activity associated with angling in England and Wales amounts to £3.5 billion Environment Agency Wales
Sustainable Fisheries Officer Michael Clyde said: “We are always looking to increase angling participation and fishing at Cardiff Bay is a great way to help do that. With the large number of local anglers in South Wales, and the visitors that Cardiff Bay attracts, I am sure this site will be very popular with anglers for years to come.
“By encouraging more people to take up fishing, we will sell more rod licences and the money raised will benefit fisheries throughout Wales.”
Parking is available at the car park at the Penarth end of the Barrage, and at Channel View Leisure Centre on Jim Driscol Way.
For further details visits www.cardiffharbour.com
